This is a petition in response to a petition created in order to reopen Beach Drive. We the concerned residents of Wasaga Beach do not wish for the road to be reopened as it is an unnecessary endeavour and seemingly pointless use of money. Nature has reclaimed that area of Wasaga Beach and we would like to see it remain that way unless there is a positive and productive reason to change it.

As a resident who lives and works in Wasaga Beach I want this town to be as prosperous and attractive as possible. As a father I also want the town to be as clean and safe as it could be. The recent natural transformation from road to sand at Beach One could and should be considered a blessing in disguise.

• Beachgoers can now walk right up to storefronts from the beach safely without vehicle traffic

• Businesses will see much more walk-in browsing traffic and longer visits. Parking is a short walk behind the stores

• Traffic will not be looping the roads searching for limited parking and causing backups, blockages, and excess pollution

• The beach itself will be easier to clean and much cleaner overall without vehicles, signage, land or road work or other obstacles

• There's more space on the beach for everyone, for social distancing or any other reason. More potential for retail/food huts, event tents, etc.

• It is the socially responsible route to take in consideration of surrounding wildlife as well as the most environmentally conscious approach

•It is more cost effective in every sense, only requiring typical beach maintenance, with potential to expand on and improve the boardwalk area for more access

These things are all beneficial to the downtown businesses, visitors and the local community at large. The positive things that come with the beach in its present state are enough to outweigh any potential benefits to reopening the road. In a time when the local economy is struggling there should be more thought put into spending taxpayers' dollars, especially when the endeavour has no apparent advantage to the community and no reasoning for how local businesses could gain from it.

Signing this petition will let local officials know that you feel leaving the beach the way it is now is the right way forward, aesthetically, ethically and financially. It may be a change for the beach but it's a progressive one that will ensure it stays a beautiful, safe and entertaining experience for all. Let's help Wasaga Beach have more than enough potential to come out of the pandemic a prosperous town.